Being one of the biggest economies and a culturally diverse country, China celebrates a lot of traditional, and culture-based festivals that are nothing but pure joy to be a part of. While the festivals play an integral role in Chinese culture, most of the festivals in China are based on the lunar calendar, and are fascinating indeed.

10 Most Important Festivals Of China

Be it the traditional festivals that have a deep-rooted history or the modern festivals that have shot to fame with fame, most these Chinese festivals have been celebrated for centuries and here’s why Chinese festivals in 2018 are worth learning more about.

Chinese New Year Festival

Yuan Xiao Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival

The National Day Of China

Duanwu Festival

Chongyang Festival

Qingming Festival

Qixi Festival

Labor Day

Hungry Ghost Festival

1. Chinese New Year Festival

Image SourceAlso known as the Chinese Spring Festival, this is without a doubt one of the most important Chinese festivals with a history of more than 4000 years and you will get to know about Chinese new year traditions on this day. Most of the people enjoy this festival for 7 days and the celebration lasts for over 2 weeks, beginning from the eve of the festival. The Chinese New Year festival is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, i.e., on the first day of the first lunar month.

2. Yuan Xiao Festival

Also called the traditional Lantern Festival in China, Yuan Xiao Festival is held on the 15th day after the Spring Festival. It marks the continuation and end of the New Year celebration. This festival involves enjoying the sight of beautiful lanterns of different shapes and sizes at night. The lantern shows bring people from all over the world to witness the amazing designs and colors. A traditional Chinese dish called Tangyuan is also eaten on this day.

Held On: 8th February 2020

3. Mid-Autumn Festival

Image SourceThis is one of the 3 most important Chinese festivals. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional holiday originating from the worship of the moon and it symbolizes harvest and family reunion. Traditionally, this festival is celebrated with family, similar to the Thanksgiving Day. As with the Spring Festival, family members get together on this day and enjoy the sight of the full moon, which is an auspicious symbol of luck and harmony, and feast on delicious mooncakes.

4. The National Day Of China

The National Day celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and it is undoubtedly one of the most important festivals in China. It is celebrated throughout mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong with a number of different activities, such as concerts and fireworks organized by the Government.

5. Duanwu Festival

Image SourceThis is yet another one of the ancient Chinese festivals that attracts millions of people. Also known as the Dragon Boat festival, people celebrate by gathering together to take part or watch the dragon boat races, especially in the southern areas of China. Another important part of the Duanwu festival is eating Zong Zi, which is the glutinous rice wrapped in reed leaves and it is a must try.

6. Chongyang Festival

This festival is also known as the Double Ninth Festival. During the Chongyang festival, people celebrate by drinking Chrysanthemum wine and eating Chongyang cake. In some parts of the country, people go mountain climbing or travel to areas where they can admire chrysanthemums and it is indeed a major festival that is celebrated with a lot of pomp.

Held On: 7th October 2019

7. Qingming Festival

Also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, Qingming Festival is one of the most important Chinese festivals as people gear up to offer sacrifices on this day. The Han, as well as the minority ethnic groups, bring sacrifices to offer their ancestors and sweep the tombs of loved ones who have departed from this world. It is pretty much similar to the All Souls’ Day that is celebrated by Christians in India on 2nd of November every year.

8. Qixi Festival

This is a festival where girls show their artwork, handicrafts, and wish for a good husband while the boys on the other hand, send flowers to girls. Young couples often go out shopping to celebrate this day as Qixi Festival is a traditional holiday that was named “China’s Valentine’s Day” recently. It is a fun day for young people to enjoy themselves and have a great time with their peers.

Held On: 25th August 2020

9. Labor Day

May Day, or International Workers’ Day, is an international holiday that is celebrated in more than 80 countries across the world. In December 1949, the Central People’s Government Council formally designated the 1st of May as Chinese Labor Day. People celebrate this day by enjoying different forms of entertainment that are held in theaters, public squares, or parks. In the evening, Government agencies at all levels organize parties and inviting model laborers to enjoy programs.

Held On: 4th April 2020

10. Hungry Ghost Festival

Image SourceThis is one of the most prominent festivals in the Chinese festival calendar. The Chinese people have special customs for the dead and their ghosts, especially those that are thousands of years old. It’s part of a famous folk religion in China called Daoism where the locals believe that special precautions and ceremonies for the deceased ancestors are required in the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the Hungry Ghost Festival of China is just one of the many traditional festivals that are celebrated here to worship ancestors.

While there are many festivals that the Chinese celebrate, this list of Chinese festivals enlists some of the most important ones. And no matter which one you celebrate, your experience is sure to be full of colors, fun, and sheer bliss on your next holiday in China.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Festivals

Q. What are the main celebrations in China?

A. The Chinese New Year festival, Chinese lantern festival and Yuan Xiao festival are the main celebrations in China.

Q. Which is the most famous festival in China?

A. The most famous festival in China is Chinese New Year. It is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, music, dance, fireworks, and local food. All the streets, markets, buildings, and restaurants in China are decked up with decorations on this day.

Q. What are the major traditional Chinese holidays?

A. The major traditional holidays in China are observed on festivals like the Mid-Autumn festival, The Chinese New Year, Duanwu Festival, etc.